ANTI ISLANDING TEST. This is to ensure that the Inverter automatically switches off, when the grid has been turned off, i.e. a black out. This is a safety issue for the linesmen and electricians that work on the power lines. These tradesmen risk electrocution should an inverter be generating electricity, whilst they are working on the power lines. We will test for this and leave you with a report detailing the date of the test and our Electrical Contractor number.

 

 

CLEANING. Although many solar panel manufacturers claim that their panels are maintenance free, your system may benefit from having a thorough clean, particularly if deposits of pollen or creosote from an adjacent chimney flue, have been allowed to build up on the surface of the panel. Having your panels cleaned by a trained professional means that the panels will have a visual inspection looking for potentially dangerous “De-laminating” of the solar panel. This will also highlight any yellowing of the “EVA” that may result in a warranty claim as the panel will under perform. Care must be taken, as some solar panels have an anti reflective coating on the glass surface that may easily be damaged through careless cleaning or use of solvents. Panels should be allowed to cool prior to wetting them down for cleaning.

THERMAL IMAGING CHECKS. Electricity that moves through a poor connection will give of heat. We use a thermal imaging camera to look for hot spots, both within the solar panel and throughout the associated wiring. This will highlight “micro cracks” within the silicon cells that will lead to an under performing solar panel. It will also show any failing solder joints or failing electrical connections. We have invested in the latest in thermal imaging equipment and will supply a printed report with each test.

 

 

COROSSION CHECKS. All Solar P.V. systems have numerous electrical connections. On larger systems, PVC Combiner boxes may have been used as junction points for the cabling. Some of these P.V.C. boxes contain fuses within fuse holders. Incorrect sealing of these box’s may lead to water ingress that when combined with dangerous DC voltages, may cause premature corrosion of the copper terminals within the boxes. This may also occur within the Switch gear near the inverter. We are experienced and have learned what to look for and where it may occur.

 

SYSTEM ANALYSIS. We can check your systems overall performance to ensure that your investment, is working as predicted. We are then able to gauge, the rate that the silicon in your solar panels is degrading. This may result in a warranty claim should your panels be found to have degraded by more than the warranted amount. Other issues may also be highlighted by performing these checks and tests. Incorrectly configured Inverters may also cause under performance and in some rare cases, high grid voltages may be causing your inverter to switch off for hours at a time, without you knowing it. We can check for all these potential issues.

 

 

ISOLATOR CHECKS. We also do isolator checks. We can check that your DC isolator is not one of the products on the national recall list due to severe safety risks.